Review: The Lifespan of a Fact Opens to a Standing Ovation in Quogue

The crowd cheered, stood and applauded the opening night production of the play, The Lifespan of a Fact. It will be performed until April 2nd, 2023 at the Quogue Community Hall. The play is being produced by the Hampton Theatre Company, which is a magnificent “Small Professional Theater” company. The Lifespan of a Fact is adapted for the stage by Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell and Gordon Farrell. This production is masterfully directed by George A. Loizides. Andrew Botsford is the show’s Producer. Tickets are available via hamptonstheatre.org or by calling (631)663-8955.

The opening night performance was intense, timely, powerful and inquisitive. This play is a snapshot of where American journalism is heading. It has passion, spirit and wit along with powerful action to add to the brilliantly written words. The wonderful performances of the three-person cast are superb. Matthew Conlon is powerfully brilliant as John D’Agata, a famed and noted columnist. He has a distinct talented writing style, just not always based on precise facts. Mr. Conlon once again commands the stage with his seasoned flair, charisma, strong speaking voice and physical acting skills.

Laurie Atlas is excellent as Emily Penrose, the editor-in-chief of a prominent magazine. Her evenhanded and acutely intuitive methods of winning an audience and commanding the stage help give the show a rhythm. Jamie Baio is simply extraordinary as Jim Fingal, the Harvard-educated fact checker. The interaction of the dialogue and the action that spans six days is definitely generational. The use of projected texts spices up the ninety-minute one-act play. The laughs are genuine as is the drama. This is one fine presentation of this show.

When seeing a show in Quogue Community Hall one can expect a wonderful set. Set Designer and also Director George Loizides used the talents of Ricky Bottenus and Meg Sexton to build the sets. Meg Sexton also did the projections. Ariel Gardiner is the sound and lighting tech wizard. Teresa Lebrun handles the Costume Design and Seamus Naughton handles the Sound Design.

Enthusiastic applause filled the hall to cap the electric spell-binding performances. Afterward one could hear numerous and important discussions. Most of the talk was about the importance of accuracy of fact versus the power of the rhythm of a well written thought-provoking piece.